Driver’s victory in parking battle

ILLEGAL . . . the sign on Court Street which will be removed

A MOTORIST has won his David and Goliath battle to have an illegal no-parking sign removed — more than a year after it was declared unlawful.

The sign, in Court Street, Uppermill was ruled illegal in February 2012 following a successful appeal by David Parker (64), who challenged a £70 fine for parking there.

The sign commands no parking or loading — illegal under 2002 traffic regulations — and is difficult to see, especially if parked on the opposite side of the road.

Oldham Council revealed that between September 18, 2001, and March 4, 2013, 2,121 penalty charge notices have been issued to cars in the restricted areas of Court Street. Of these, 1,925 have been paid — at a potential cost to motorists of £134,750. But the council is adamant no fines have been issued based on the small sign since Mr Parker won his appeal.

After being contacted by the Chronicle, the council will finally be covering up the sign.

Mr Parker and his wife parked on double yellow lines in Court Street in September 2011 and displayed Mrs Parker’s blue badge entitling them to three hours’ parking. The Springhead resident was given a ticket just minutes after parking the car and decided to contest it. He won his appeal after he sign was found to be in breach of the 2002 traffic regulations.

Mr Parker was shocked to discover the sign still on display recently when he paid a rare visit to Uppermill and saw the sign was still there.

He said: “I was outraged when I saw the sign was still on show - even after it was deemed to be illegal.

“It makes you wonder how many other locations there are in the Oldham area that are also unlawful and could be netting money for the council.”

But Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, transport and planning, said: “Since an appeal in February, 2012, we haven’t issued any parking tickets on this small section of Court Street.”

Restrictions on the rest of the street remain in force, but traffic officers have been told to cover the sign and remove it as soon as possible.